For siblings Ryan and Sarah Ford from Kentucky, Agility is a family sport. They compete in the AKC Agility League, and internationally, with their dogs.

Handlers participating in dog sports, especially agility, are prone to knee and back injuries. Strength and fitness training routines for handlers can help to minimize agility injuries. Ease into any fitness training slowly to avoid injury, and be sure to always warm up first. Competing in dog sports can be fun and physically challenging for […]

Dogs are incredibly diverse in size, appearance, energy levels, and temperament, and it's no accident. Dogs have been purpose-bred for generations to highlight this diversity. In times past, people relied on dogs to perform jobs and tasks. Different breeds were developed specifically to do for those working purposes. Today, most of our dogs spend a […]

Spaniels are flushing breeds. Their purpose is to hunt, find game, flush and retrieve birds in a please and efficient manner. The objective of the hunting test program is to help the hunter develop a useful hunting companion by providing a means to gauge a dog's ability against three standards of accomplishment-Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter […]

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB CROWNS WINNERS OF FIRST EVER AKC AGILITY PREMIER CUP PRESENTED BY EEM New York, N.Y. – The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of the first ever AKC Agility Premier Cup Presented by EEM which was held […]

The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin   Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL Friday, December 11, 2026   The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is a competition created especially for purebred dogs aged 6-18 months (Puppies 6-12 months/ […]

My name is Clary Meadows, and I am eleven years old. My dog’s name is Lucy Ann, and she is a two-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, Great Pyrenees, Border Collie, Lab mix. I rescued her from 4Paws 4Rescue. Lucy and I are best friends; we practically do everything together. Ups and downs highs and lows, we […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="What is the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?"] The AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin is North America's largest dog show, held annually since the year 2001. In 2019, the show takes place on December 14 and 15 in Orlando, Florida, with Championship Week events beginning December 10. Each year, […]

Teach Your Dog to Turn Right and Left This issue’s training tip is brought to you by AKC Canine Partners Program Manager Penny Leigh, who competes with her All American Dogs in numerous sports.  Teaching directionals to your dog can be very beneficial for many sports, plus it is a cute trick and great way […]